The Canadian Press
SASKATOON - A Battlefords-area man struggling with schizophrenia has pleaded guilty to two attacks in Saskatoon this month.

Josiah Blackplume, 22, admitted to sexually assaulting a 26-year-old woman in a University of Saskatchewan parking lot May 23, and to robbing a female jogger on the Meewasin Trail two weeks before.

Blackplume sat slouched in the prisoner's box and wept with his head in his hands as senior Crown prosecutor Paul Goldstein laid out his case.

Goldstein indicated that Blackplume's wife, who travels into the city for classes at the university, reported her husband to police after seeing a security camera photo of him in her student email account.

In a statement, Blackplume said has overwhelming urges when women smile at him and often mistakes it as a willingness to have sex.

Defence lawyer Deb Hopkins said Blackplume is not addicted to drugs or alcohol and is a talented musician who was sexually abused as a child and struggles with schizophrenia.

She said her client, who recently attempted suicide while in custody, is sorry for what he did to the two women.

The Crown and defence are recommending a joint submission of four years in jail. Hopkins is also requesting Blackplume be admitted to a psychiatric centre.